Job Description

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country\'s democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.

As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation\'s diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution.

How will you contribute?

As a Legislative Clerk, you will provide non-partisan procedural, logistical, administrative and information support for a wide variety of activities, events, meetings and programs in the parliamentary service to which you are assigned, working under the supervision of Procedural Clerks and Table Officers. You will get opportunities to organize committee trips, plan official meetings, plan parliamentary study programs, conduct research, prepare official parliamentary documents and engage with senators and the public.

Legislative Clerks have a unique role in the Senate. The position typically serves as an entry-level position for those interested in a career in Procedural Services, allowing successful candidates to learn about all aspects of the Canadian Parliament. The Legislative Clerk is a rotational position which will expose you to parliamentarians when they are working in the Senate Chamber, serving on committees or engaged in parliamentary diplomacy. As a Senate employee, you will be given support, training, opportunities and resources to build and advance your career. Successful Legislative Clerks often go on to become Procedural Clerks.

Being a Legislative Clerk will offer a unique vantage point on the operations of parliamentary democracy, and give you an opportunity to witness significant, and even historic, decisions being made that lead to legislative or policy changes that affect all Canadians. If you are a person who is detail-oriented, organized, adaptable, autonomous and service-oriented who thrives working in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you!

Open to

The general public to staff future temporary and/or permanent full-time positions in the Legislative Sector (Chamber Services, Table Research, Committees, International and Interparliamentary Affairs or the Office of the Clerk of the Senate).

This selection process may be used to staff determinate or indeterminate positions at the same level with similar requirements.

We encourage individuals from underrepresented and minority groups to apply.

Prerequisites

The specialized role of Legislative Clerk is unique to Parliament and successful candidates come from a range of backgrounds. Please use your cover letter (maximum two pages) to share how your experience and background meet the following prerequisites and demonstrate how they would contribute to making you a successful Legislative Clerk:

• Successful completion of a bachelor\'s degree from a recognized university or with a degree in progress that will be completed by the time an appointment to the position is made;
• Experience providing excellent client service and advice to high-profile stakeholders and/or the public;
• Experience planning projects including establishing timelines, budgeting and coordinating logistics;
• Knowledge of information management, general administrative methods, techniques and practices to coordinate multiple activities and provide logistical support;
• Knowledge of the function and use of various software and computer systems, in particular the Microsoft Office Suite and web-conferencing platforms such as Zoom and MS Teams;
• Superior written and oral communication skills with the ability to conduct research, prepare reports, present information and draft correspondence;
• Experience working in a parliamentary environment or in close relationship with it would be considered a strong asset;
• Knowledge of the parliamentary environment including its practices and the legislative process would be considered a strong asset;
• Experience proposing and implementing workplace improvements would be considered a strong asset.

Linguistic Requirements

English Reading Comprehension:

C

English Written Expression:

C

English Oral Proficiency:

C

French Reading Comprehension:

C

French Written Expression:

C

French Oral Proficiency:

C

Competencies

Integrity
Respect
Service
Action Management
Adaptability
Communication
Dependability
Teamwork and cooperation

Other

As a Senate employee, you will be given support, training, opportunities and resources to build and advance your career.

This job often requires you to work irregular hours and may require you to travel in support of parliamentary business activities. There are periodic rotations between the different services within the Legislative Sector where Legislative Clerks work (Chamber Services, Table Research, Committees, International and Interparliamentary Affairs or the Office of the Clerk of the Senate).

Organizational Needs

The Senate of Canada is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees are provided full and equal access to employment, development, and advancement opportunities.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must consent to supply personal information and obtain a security accreditation in order to be eligible for appointment.

Senate of Canada